Registered Nurse

Safety Sensitive

Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) is responsible for evaluating patients before surgery or other procedures to ensure they are medically prepared and that potential risks are identified and addressed.

Job Description

Position Title: Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Admission Testing

Position Summary:
The Registered Nurse in Pre-Admission Testing coordinates and performs comprehensive preoperative assessments for patients scheduled for surgical or invasive procedures. The RN collaborates with physicians, anesthesia providers, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide education regarding the surgical process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments, including medical history, medication reconciliation, allergies, and physical assessment.
• Review laboratory results, diagnostic testing, and medical records to identify abnormalities or concerns requiring follow-up.
• Coordinate preoperative testing, including laboratory work, ECGs, imaging, and specialty consultations as indicated.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients meet surgical clearance requirements.
• Educate patients and families regarding preoperative instructions, medication management, fasting guidelines, and postoperative expectations.
• Identify and communicate potential surgical or anesthesia risks and facilitate appropriate interventions.
• Document assessments, patient education, and care coordination accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and evidence-based practice guidelines.
• Serve as a patient advocate by addressing questions, concerns, and barriers to care.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and surgical readiness.

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred, depending on facility requirements.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of clinical nursing experience; perioperative, medical-surgical, ambulatory care, or pre-admission testing experience preferred.
• Strong assessment, communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and Microsoft Office applications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of preoperative assessment and perioperative standards of care.
• Ability to recognize abnormal findings and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Excellent patient education and counseling skills.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration and care coordination abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Requirements:  Must pass WRMC Medication/Dosage Calculations Exam and IV Therapy Exam. Maintains annual unit specific competencies and education fair. Adheres to White River Health System's Standard of Behaviors.